Anticonvulsant activity of Heracleum persicum seed

The anticonvulsant activity of acetone extract of the seeds of Heracleum persicum (Umbelliferae) was examined against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and maximal electroshock (MES)-induced seizures in mice. The extract showed a dose-dependent protective effect in both seizure models. However, the sedative dose of the extract, examined by rotarod test, was close to the anticonvulsant doses. Preliminary phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, triterpenes and steroids in the extract. The observed pharmacological effects could be due to alkaloids, terpenoids and triterpenes present in the plant. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.